The Stooges outside the Funhouse in Ann Arbor, MI
Thanks Soldier!
In the earliest of the MC5/Stooge evolutions, sometimes I felt more like a Psychedelic Stooge than a Fiver. Sometimes things got a little hectic and I would feel off. Mike Davis, Steve the Hawk Harnadek and I would run to the Funhouse, the Stooges band house and go watch TV and party with them till dawn. In fact I think I saw one of their first rehearsals when Scotty was using 50 gallon oil drums as bass drums. These guys were out there.
They had a comical and unserious side that I really liked and needed. Ron and I became good friends. I talked to Scott as much as I could. He was truly the strong silent type, but when we got a good buzz on he was a riot too. Sometimes the Igster would be around, sometimes not. What I really remember is all the gut wrenching laughter I had to endure. I laughed till I couldn’t breathe anymore. When Ron got on a roll, he would impersonate, Moe, Larry, and Curly, and Shemp better than anyone I’ve ever known.
We would even imitate the real Stooges antics down to Curly’s circular laying on the floor walking gag, the barking, the slaps, finger pokes, his catch phrases, the whole nine. They used to watch TV all the time. They were Mystery Theater 3000 way ahead of their time. Wisecrack after wisecrack until everyone is throwin’ rippers at the dorks on the tube. Looking back from now, I never had it so good. Life there was relaxing and cool. My band had a great deal of fun too, don’t let me mislead you, but hanging out with them was like getting to be a kid. And not having to go home at night.
This is when I formed a bond with Ron that lasted till the day he left us. Together we formed the New Order, played in Australia with the New Race where we roomed together for 7-8 weeks till I last saw him in England where we shared the bill in 2007 (I think) at “Tomorrows All Night Party” festival. That show was great for both bands. That night I asked Pop how he still moved onstage so damn well, and he told me, “rest, man, 36 hours of rest”. Then he’d get onstage and do it again.
I have many more fun stories and serious ones too with the men in the Stooge band. Sit tight and I will dribble them out as they come to my bullet-holed memory.
Excelsior!
MGT
9 comments:
Dennis,
Thanks for the great insight.
Imagine two of the greatest bands ever living a couple miles away.
Keep the stories coming.
Great story, as always, sir. I've always liked The Stooges, as well. What an awesome trip it must have been to see the two of you together.
Also, I kinda feel that Iggy really came into his own on "The Idiot," though that doesn't decrease my enjoyment of his earlier work with the Stooges.
hey just been on your web page ..congratulations its seriously good . there are some irons in the fire that i am working on, but will give more info when im down the road a bit more .
hope you and pat are fine ..you look it from the photos
all the very best chap
carlton
Always good to hear stories of the Stooges and the MC5 back in the 60s, keep 'em coming Dennis. Did you ever jam with the Asheton's or was is more chilling out at the Funhouse and joining the O mind?
Thank you all for the compliments and for taking time to comment here. I appreciate your kind words and support over the years.
RE: MJG196 comment
At that time when I was interviewed my mother had just passed away. I was in no mood for any of it. That was resentment and I regret that comment. The five were better players, but the Stooges made all the money.
Blunt honesty I guess..
Hi Carlton! Great to hear from you. I hope your irons in the fire get hot. I really miss jolly ol' England. I guess things being as tight as they are we won't be doing much this year (DKT). Thats downright sad. Well KOTJ and thanx for the comment.
MGT
Friends with whom one unabashedly can LOL are few and far between, so I'm glad the Stooges were yours.
I remember the surprise of a client who came upon my friend Kirk and I giggling together over something like 9 year old girls at a slumber party. I later had to explain the client that we had this rapport because I've known him since 1970
(to save my reputation for professional aplomb.)
Please consider using the photo on your blog logo as the main graphic on the cover of your memoirs, as it's a great depiction of you drumming 'in the zone' and of
the personal triumph of your persistence. I am so looking forward to your eventual book. -HH
Love this site, so much good stuff - thanks!
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